TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS WITH A BANG!

It is that time again – time for transfers.Where teams get the right boost by acquiring the missing pieces in their dream team to challenge for trophies and discard those that are not up to scratch or surplus to requirement. We are at the core of thePortcity news Sports Center’s Situation Room to bring you all the latest gossip and done deals from around the world on what has already been a big-spending January window.

First off the block is the capture of Phillipe Coutinho by FC Barcelona from FC Liverpool for a whooping English transfer record of £146,000,000.00. Phillipe was unveiled yesterday after passing his medicals but wont be able to play immediately because of a thigh injury that would leave him on the sidelines for 3 weeks.

WESLEY SNEIJDER DEAL DONE

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder has cut short his stay at Nice to join Qatari club Al-Gharafa on an 18-month deal.

Sneijder moved to the French Ligue 1 side last summer from Galatasaray, signing a one-year contract. However, after just five league appearances for the French Riviera club he has left for a new challenge.

JOHNNY EVANS FEATURES IN ARSENAL FIRES SALE
It has been reported that Arsenal could include Mathieu Debuchy in a deal to sign West Brom defender Jonny Evans.This was reported by London Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin could be on his way to Valencia, according to the Mail.London, England It reports that Arsenal are prepared to sell Coquelin, who has been on the fringes of Arsene Wenger’s squad, with West Ham also interested but boss David Moyes fearing that he “would prefer a move to Spain.” Debuchy and Coquelin are not the only ones heading for the Emirates exit. It has been rumoured that Alexis Sanchez’s protracted move to Manchester City apparently close to being resolved for a fee of £30,000,000.00.Alexis Sanchez has been in Manchester City’s sights since last summer and Pep Guardiola is ready to make another push for the Arsenal man.This is coming on the heels of the injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus and Pep’s need for sustained fire power upfront. Arsene Wenger has has however insisted he will not sell Sanchez this month.

Meanwhile, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger denied making a January move for Lemar as recently as last week.Lemar is currently playing for AS Monaco.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Moura and Javier Pastore have attracted the interest of clubs such as Manchester United and Inter Milan so far in January but the French capital outfit are not keen to loan the South American pair.

With Tottenham holding out for £50 million for Danny Rose, Manchester United have identified Celtic’s Kieran Tierney as a fall-back option at half that amount.

ALEX SANDRO
Chelsea move for Alex Sandro stalls over Juventus asking price.Alex Sandro is high on the list of players head coach Antonio Conte has recommended Chelsea sign this month as he tries to juggle the demands of playing in four competitions. Chelsea were encouraged by the fact he wants to leave Juventus and Conte’s former club have made it clear they will not stand in the Brazilian’s way if the right offer comes in.

But Juventus are still demanding around £60 million for Alex Sandro, which is more than Chelsea are prepared to spend on the 26-year-old according to Telegraph.co.uk.

Transfer news continues tomorrow as we bring you comprehensive lists of those that are in and those that are out in your favorite teams. So watch out for Who has your team signed? Who’s been shipped out? on this very space.